The Down Syndrome Association of Santa Barbara County’s (DSASBC) Extraordinary Educator 2024 Award will be presented to Buffy Jo Grenier at the 13th Annual Hoedown, 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Santa Barbara Carriage Museum.

Each year the DSASBC recognizes an extraordinary educator for their outstanding work with individuals with Down syndrome and others with special needs in the community.

Grenier became a direct support professional at Alpha Resource Center in 2011 and knew she wanted to stay there for life.

Through her love of theater she became involved in AlphaFest and later took over Alpha’s theater program where she teaches a weekly theater games and improv class. She collaborates with her students to create the annual play based on their desires and abilities.

Grenier is passionate about writing and directing this play, encouraging her students and all people to be their best self and loves the gift that theatrical exploration gives to everyone.

The DSASBC’s Annual Hoedown will offer an evening that includes a barbecue dinner, dancing to live music from The Dusty Jugz, silent auction, costume contest, and activities for the kids.

Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $10 for children.kids. Tickets available at www.dsasbc.org and at the door.

Grenier joins past Extraordinary Educator recipients: Kellogg School’s coach Claudia Watters; Goleta Union School District’s adaptive PE teacher Michael Galvan; El Camino School’s Linda Sparkuhl; Brandon School’s Jackie Zaida; Alpha Resource Center’s Amy Buesker Pallotti; Special Education/Transition teacher Cindy Rief; Goleta Valley Junior High School special education teacher Cameron Stewart; Brandon School’s Laura Herrera; Peabody Charter School’s Danelle Hurtado; and Dos Pueblos’ Chef Terri Ingram.

This year’s event is sponsored by George, Shari and Megan Isaac.

Visit www.dsasbc.org to learn more about DSASBC events.